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Interobserver variability of an open-source software for tear meniscus height measurement
Hugo Pena-Verdeal1, Carlos Garcia-Resua1, Noelia Barreira2
1Departamento de física aplicada (Grupo de Optometría GI-2092), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus vida s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Galicia, Spain.
Summary
This study found that an open-source software tool provides a reliable method for objectively measuring lower tear meniscus height (TMH), showing minimal interobserver variability for tear meniscus height analysis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Imaging
- Optometry
Background:
- Lower tear meniscus height (TMH) measurements can vary significantly based on the chosen measurement technique.
- Objective and reproducible methods are crucial for accurate TMH assessment in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the interobserver variability of a novel method for measuring TMH using open-source software.
- To evaluate the reliability of TMH measurements obtained through digital photography and image analysis.
Main Methods:
- 176 subjects underwent video recording of the lower tear meniscus under slit-lamp and Tearscope illumination.
- Two independent observers measured TMH using NIH ImageJ software in a masked and randomized manner.
- TMH was measured from the lower lid to the upper meniscus limit under both illumination conditions.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in TMH measurements were found between the two investigators for either illumination method (p≥0.136).
- Interobserver differences were significant only for grades 3 and 4 slit-lamp measurements (p≤0.009).
- Significant differences in TMH results were observed between subjective classifications for both illumination techniques (p≤0.045).
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates that open-source software offers a valuable tool for objective TMH measurement.
- The proposed photographic method shows good interobserver reliability for tear meniscus height analysis.
